It’s been entirely too long since I’ve boarded a plane, so trust that I was eager to be Texas bound to celebrate my brother-in-law tying the knot. We even convinced our family and friends to pack up and join for the extra-long weekend trip. College Station is the ever-growing home of Texas A&M University, along with the absolute friendliest people you’ll ever meet. My husband attended A&M and we lived here for a few years before settling down in Kentucky. It’s safe to call it a home away from home, always so welcoming and bustling with something to do. Today I’m taking you through all the excitement of our weekend trip, must-see spots and the eats you can’t bypass when in the BCS. Are you ready? Dust off your cowboy boots and let’s head to Texas, y’all!
TRAVEL PLANS
Flying in town? The College Station airport is the way to go! Since it’s small, no need to worry about packed security lines or delays. Hungry? Grab a bite here before connecting to a larger airport – it’s way more affordable. I snagged a personal pizza for $3! It’s super easy to navigate and you’ll be off your plane, grabbing an Uber within 20 minutes of landing! It was recently renovated, so it’s a great spot to grab your first College Station photo.
WHERE TO STAY
We found a super chic VRBO that was right up the road from the Texas A&M Campus. Bonus points for being located just a few minutes from the airport. It was the perfect location and ideal for our group of 10+ people. We had plenty of room and lots of extra space for friends to come hang out, too!
GET YOUR AGGIE GEAR
The Warehouse is always one of our first stops when we get to town! Getting Aggie gear is a must, but it can get expensive. I love The Warehouse because it’s super affordable and has thousands of styles! It is, quite literally, a warehouse full of designs. They have name-brand picks as well as less expensive t-shirts and pullovers, too.
TEXAS A&M FOOTBALL
Texas takes their football extra serious. Coming from a state with no pro football, it was crazy to see the commitment of Texans to the sport! We’ve been to many games, but there’s nothing like experiencing a game at Kyle Field. Texas A&M has a whole slew of traditions you won’t find anywhere else. It’s truly something you have to experience if you’re in town for a game! Mario took our little ones to their first game this fall. It’s safe to say their hearts are set on being Aggies!
DOWNTOWN BRYAN
Feeling crowded in College Station? Get a little space (and way more affordable eats) by visiting Downtown Bryan! I love planning a day of photo content in this area. With murals and colorful walls all around, it’s perfect for getting pictures. Here’s a whole site dedicated to Downtown Bryan and all their happenings!
WHAT TO EAT
There are a ton of options when it comes to good eats, so it can be a little overwhelming! You don’t wanna miss out on the unique College Station restaurants, so I’m listing off a few favorites. Looking for a sit-down spot? Napa Flats is perfect for date night or drinks and appetizers. My favorites on the menu include the Palo Alto dip and any of their pizzas! My husband and his friends live for Layne’s. It’s a hole in the wall chicken and fries joint with a signature dipping sauce you have to try! You can get Texas BBQ at CJ‘s, unique tacos at Torchy’s and 24 hour access to the best queso in town at Fuego! My favorite chain spots include Chuy’s, BJ’s and Ozona. I could do a whole blog post on eats in the area – they have some of the best food!
VISIT NORTHGATE
Looking to have a drink and meet the locals? Northgate is the place to be! There are plenty of cool spots to gather on gameday if you don’t score tickets to Kyle Field. The Backyard is one of my absolute favorite spots because they have something for everyone. Food trucks, cornhole boards, indoor and outdoor bars and tons of seating, it’s a great spot for friends to hang out. Many of the spots offer 18+ admission to cater to the college crowd, but some bars are 21+. There’s something for everyone – even my parents had a blast!
SANTA’S WONDERLAND
Christmas lovers, this is a must! You can walk for hours through the Christmas displays, neon lights and experience a whole new level of holiday cheer. We ate, danced and shopped until our little ones could barely keep their eyes open. The sled races and hay ride were a big hit with our whole group, too! Be sure to double check their hours prior to visiting – they are open seasonally!
I could honestly go on and on, but there were only so many options to fit into our weekend! Regardless of what you’re looking to do, College Station has it. Prepare yourself for the small-town friendliness and affordability as they blend with amenities of big-city living. Have you been to College Station? Let me know what I’m forgetting to brag on in the comments below!
